Senate Bill 598 is needed now to update current law and allow pharmacists to automatically substitute a new class of biologic medicines, called biosimilars, for a brand biologic when the biosimilar is deemed interchangeable by the FDA.

Without SB 598, biosimilars cannot be substituted at California pharmacies – even if they are FDA-approved.

The bill also requires that a patient’s physician is notified which biologic medicine is dispensed. SB 598 will help make these new biologic medicines which treat serious illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s more accessible for Californians while maintaining the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship.